One of the recent studies conducted by scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden has shown interesting results on the mechanism of brain stem cells proliferation and the conditions necessary for the successful progress in this matter (Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, 2014). By conducting experiments on mice and analyzing the available data, the scientists discovered that extracellular matrix, which is produced by progenitors and the thyroid hormones are both necessary for proper development of the brain.
ECM and thyroid hormones allow the brain to become larger by basal progenitor proliferation. This finding allows the scientists to make another important conclusion – iodine is extremely important in embryonic brain development, which is why doctors have to beware of iodine deficiency in the pregnant women. The studies have already shows that in the case woman doesn’t get enough iodine, there may develop cretinism and other similar conditions in the child, which will influence the entire life of the person (Horn & Heuer, 2010; Patel et al., 2011).
I believe that this research is important for the child development specialists, because it allows for understanding the nature of early child brain development and see the ways how it can be controlled and some undesirable conditions avoided. Directly in treatment of clients, the care specialists can ask parents corresponding questions as to their pregnancy diet and the way their children eat at their early stages of development. As a result, knowledge of this research’s results will increase the quality of care eventually, which is a great result.
Questions:
1. What important element should pregnant women receive to boost the brain development?
2. For what process are thyroid hormones and EMC important?
References
Horn, S., & Heuer, H. (2010). Thyroid hormone action during brain development: more questions than answers. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 315(1), 19-26.
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft. (2014, February 5). Brain development: Pivotal role of stem cell environment. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 3, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140205113427.htm
Patel, J., Landers, K., Li, H., Mortimer, R. H., & Richard, K. (2011). Thyroid hormones and fetal neurological development. Journal of Endocrinology, 209(1), 1-8.
